What’s trending

Not only is it the 10th anniversary of the Hardscape North America show, but the show will move to a larger space this year within the Kentucky Exposition Center. The move was made to accommodate more and larger exhibits and to offer new activities including on-the-floor contractor and dealer briefings as well as dealer education sessions. In fact, over 50 new exhibitors will be showcasing their products and services making this the largest HNA show ever.

And with all of these changes, it’s no surprise that attendees of HNA will be able to find out the latest trends in the hardscaping market through a number of avenues. Of course, networking with other hardscape professionals allows attendees to find out what is and isn’t working in other markets.

HNA attendees will also get the best hardscaping education around, and be able to listen and learn from speakers who can attest to trends not just in hardscaping, but in the larger business environment.

"The No. 1 thing about HNA is learning, learning, learning. I attend the seminars and watch the paver installation demos. I learn tips I can implement about what to do and what not to do,” says Richard Vollmer of Pavers and More in Ottawa, Illinois. “It’s also helpful to see all the new trends and catch up with people in the industry. By networking with people who are not in competition with you, you can share tips in a relaxed, nonthreatening environment.”

HNA attendees will receive free admission to GIE+EXPO, the Green Industry & Equipment Expo, and the 20- acre Outdoor Demonstration Area, where they can try out exhibitor’s new products.

Additional highlights of the 10th Annual Hardscape North America include:

• New keynote sessions are being offered this year and will feature John Schnatter, founder and CEO of Papa John’s Pizza, who will discuss his tips to success in growing one of the world’s largest pizza delivery chains.
• U.S. Gold medalist and Olympic gymnast, Shannon Miller, will present “The Gold Medal Mindset.” Renowned author, speaker and Gen Y expert, Jason Dorsey, will present a session titled “Selling Across Generations.”
• A new continuous build format for the Hardscape Demonstrations in the HNA Outdoor Arena. Bill Gardocki will oversee six one-hour live demonstrations, including “Basic Wall Building,” “Permeable Paver Installation” and “Lighting and Water Feature Installation.”
• Year of the Dealer! HNA has expanded its dealer education and networking opportunities for 2016. Starting with HNA Dealer Day, Judy Guido of Guido and Associates will present “The Future of Now – How to Increase Sales, Profits, Differentiation and Attract World-Class Talent.” Following the Dealer Day program, dealers are invited to a trade show preview on the new trade show floor. Dealers will also enjoy on-the-floor trade show briefings during the preview and two new Dealer Sessions featuring speakers from Bob Clements International, the industry-leading consultant in dealer education. Clements’ talks will happen Thursday and Friday.
• New Contractor Briefings taking place on the trade show floor. The 20-minute briefings will cover topics such as “Are You Really Making Money on the Job,” “Profit is Not a Four Letter Word” and “Best SRW Construction Practices.”
• Eight conference sessions featuring the industry’s most sought-after presenters and speakers, including “Estimating Projects with Confidence,” presented by Jerry Gaeta, “YouTube Your Next Hardscape Project,” presented by Tom Gardocki and “Profits and Pavers: Are You Making What You Should,” presented by Monroe Porter.
• This year’s show marks the fourth year for the Hardscape North America Installer Championships. Following 4 regional competitions taking place in late Summer/early Fall, the top 12 hardscape contractors will compete against each other to determine the best-of-the-best in the industry. All 12 finalists will compete to be named the best of the best in the hardscape industry and win a prize package valued at approximately $10,000.
• The HNA Awards Presentation will take place on October 20 from 4-5 pm at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville. Guests will enjoy an evening presentation and see the best in quality construction in award-winning walkways, patios, plazas, driveways, parking lots, roadway projects, and more.